A review by ed_moore
The Golden Key by George MacDonald

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

“They knew that they were going up to the country whence the shadows fall”

‘The Golden Key’ is an allegorical fairy tale about the journey of two children, Tangle and Mossy, through a fantasy land of floating fish in effort to reach a place in which it isn’t entirely clear. It is full of religious Christian allegory and moral, and abides to some Fairy Tale tropes but at the same time feels separated from the stereotypical Fairy Tale. It does however lack in a lot of plot explanation and character development - alike to Grimm’s things do just happen with no buildup or reasoning. 
Though despite all the confusion the ending lines gave me goosebumps. They were so unclear and possibly meaningless but reading through a lens of religious allegory were harrowing.